Donors Give Over $241,000 on MSU's University-Wide Day of Giving

"Everyone showed impressive support for our student programs. It is truly a reflection of what it means to be a Spartan." --Robert Groves, VP University Advancement

December 6, 2016

Michigan State University’s Nov. 29 Day of Giving campaign, Spartans Will. Empower, raised $241,939 from donors over a 24-hour time period. Funds will support programs and scholarships for current and future students.

Using #GiveTueMSU, the effort totaled more than 1,684 gifts, averaging $143 each. The campaign surpassed its $100,000 goal by 1:15 pm. By around 8 p.m., total gifts more than doubled the goal.

“The story for us is the 85 donors,” said Garth Motschenbacher of The Center for Spartan Engineering. “I am especially proud of the younger alumni who participated,” he added. “It showed that together, we can make a difference for student co-curricular activities now and continue to grow funds for the future.”

Participants helped spread the word via Twitter, Facebook, websites and emails. Gifts ranged from $1 to $5,000 and originated in 45 states and 12 countries.

MSU participants included 28 colleges, programs and departments. Donors could choose to give to a variety of pre-selected projects as well as other areas of the university.

In all, 16 projects exceeded their goals. Among the top finishers were: Eli Broad College of Business (95 gifts), Spartan Athletics (34), College of Engineering (85), and International Studies and Programs (70).

In addition, MSU Alumni Clubs across the country raised nearly $14,000 for their respective student scholarships.

Other beneficiaries included such projects as an emergency aid fund for international students, a resource fund for student organizations, a fund to help pay for student field experiences, along with funds for student-athletes, and MSU Libraries.

“We are so grateful for the generosity of our alumni, employees and friends,” said Robert Groves, vice president for University Advancement. “Everyone showed impressive support for our student programs. It is truly a reflection of what it means to be a Spartan.”